Talplacido, Kristine Dianne M.

BSMT 2D

VOLUMETRIC ANALYSIS

The technique of volumetric analysis uses the reaction between a solution of known concentration with
a solution of unknown concentration. The most common reactions are between acids and bases
although many other reactions can be used as the basis of a volumetric method.

Volumetric analysis is a method of determining chemical differences and principles of redox (reduction-
oxidation) reactions between molecules. Chemicals under this topic are classified based on the results
obtained from titration.

TITRATION TECHNIQUES

Begin by preparing your buret, as described on the buret page. Your buret

should be conditioned and filled with titrant solution. You should check for
air bubbles and leaks, before proceding with the titration.

Take an initial volume reading and record it in your notebook. Before

beginning a titration, you should always calculate the expected endpoint
volume.

Prepare the solution to be analyzed by placing it in a clean Erlenmeyer

flask or beaker. If your sample is a solid, make sure it is completely dissoloved. Put a
magnetic stirrer in the flask and add indicator.
Use the buret to deliver a stream of titrant to within a couple of mL of your expected endpoint. You will
see the indicator change color when the titrant hits the solution in the flask, but the color change
disappears upon stirring.

Approach the endpoint more slowly and watch the color of your flask carefully. Use a wash bottle to
rinse the sides of the flask and the tip of the buret, to be sure all titrant is mixed in the flask.

Make sure you know what the endpoint should look like. For phenolphthalein, the endpoint is the
first permanent pale pink. The pale pink fades in 10 to 20 minutes.

If you think you might have reached the endpoint, you can record the volume reading and add
another partial drop. Sometimes it is easier to tell when you have gone past the endpoint. 

If the flask looks like this, you have gone too far!

When you have reached the endpoint, read the final volume in the
buret and record it in your notebook.